Summary
A 54-year-old technical writer was denied a security clearance under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct) and G (Alcohol Consumption) due to a history of alcohol-related incidents and associated personal conduct issues. The Statement of Reasons highlighted that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to questionable judgment and raise doubts about an individual's reliability.
Disqualifying conditions cited included G 22(a) and G 22(c) related to alcohol consumption, and E 16(c) and E 16(e) concerning personal conduct. While mitigating conditions G 23(a), G 23(b), and E 17(c) were considered, they were insufficient to overcome the security concerns.
The denial was based on the applicant's documented history of excessive alcohol consumption, which included multiple arrests and employer warnings. Repeated relapses and a lack of professional treatment raised significant questions about his reliability and trustworthiness. Furthermore, insufficient time had passed since the applicant's last relapse to confidently conclude that his alcohol problem was under control.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a history of excessive alcohol consumption, including multiple arrests and employer warnings related to alcohol use.
- The applicant's relapses and failure to seek professional treatment raise questions about his reliability and trustworthiness.
- Insufficient time has passed since the applicant's last relapse to conclude that his alcohol problem is under control.
Conditions Referenced
- G 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- E 16(c)raisedCredible Adverse Information in Several Adjudicative Issues Areas
- E 16(e)raisedPersonal Conduct Creating Vulnerability to Exploitation
- G 23(a)rejectedTime Has Passed or Behavior Is Unlikely to RecurInsufficient time has passed to conclude the applicant's alcohol problem is under control.
- G 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcohol Use and Actions TakenThe applicant's history of relapses and lack of professional treatment do not demonstrate a clear pattern of modified behavior.
- E 17(c)rejectedMinor Offense or Infrequent Behavior Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's history of substance abuse shows a pattern of unmitigated behavior.
Key Rule Quoted
“[N]o one has a ‘right’ to a security clearance.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 7, 2017
- Answer filedJul 14, 2017
- Hearing heldNov 15, 2017
- Decision dateMay 16, 2018
Cite For
- Denial Based on History of Alcohol-related Incidents Under Guideline G
- Impact of Personal Conduct on Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guideline E
- Insufficient Evidence of Rehabilitation and Reliability in Alcohol Consumption Cases.